Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one and two-time defending US Open champion, paused her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova during the first set at Louis Armstrong Stadium due to a reported odor of marijuana. The interruption occurred while Sabalenka was leading 2-0 and serving. After a brief discussion with her coaching team, she approached the umpire’s chair and informed umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore that she could smell marijuana, asking if someone could “mind” the situation, as the odor was “so strong.” Following Sabalenka’s comment, Asderaki-Moore consulted with an official via radio and gestured toward someone behind her, indicating the presence of smoking. The match then resumed without further incident. This is not the first time the presence of marijuana smoke has been noted at the US Open, with reports this week of similar occurrences near the outside courts adjacent to Corona Park. Smoking of any kind, including tobacco and cannabis, is officially prohibited within the grounds of the U.S. Open, which is held at Flushing Meadows. The United States Tennis Association, which organizes the event, has not yet commented on the specific incident involving Sabalenka. The issue of drug use and its regulation at major sporting events continues to be a topic of discussion among officials and fans alike.